Updated at 21.10

THE BBC SPORTS PERSONALITY of the Year awards took place in Belfast tonight amid protests and a heavy police presence.

The controversy surrounds one of the nominees, the recently crowned world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, who has previously made some provocative comments on women, homosexuality and abortion.

“If I said anything in the past that’s hurt anybody, I apologise for doing it, it wasn’t my intention,” Fury said to a mixed reception and some booing at tonight’s ceremony.

Tennis star Andy Murray was ultimately crowned the winner of the event, while rugby league player Kevin Sinfield was second and track and field athlete Jessica Ennis-Hill finished third after a public vote.

Protesters outside the SSE. Presseye / Freddie Parkinson/INPHO Presseye / Freddie Parkinson/INPHO / Freddie Parkinson/INPHO

Protesters outside the SSE. Presseye / Freddie Parkinson/INPHO Presseye / Freddie Parkinson/INPHO / Freddie Parkinson/INPHO

PSNI keeping an eye on the security. Presseye / Freddie Parkinson/INPHO Presseye / Freddie Parkinson/INPHO / Freddie Parkinson/INPHO

A man holds a 'John 3:16' sign outside the SSE. Presseye / Freddie Parkinson/INPHO Presseye / Freddie Parkinson/INPHO / Freddie Parkinson/INPHO

Boxer Tyson Fury with his wife Paris Fury pictured arriving. Presseye / Andrew Paton/INPHO Presseye / Andrew Paton/INPHO / Andrew Paton/INPHO

Golfer Rory McIlroy and member of One Direction Niall Horan pictured arriving. Presseye / Andrew Paton/INPHO Presseye / Andrew Paton/INPHO / Andrew Paton/INPHO

Celtic fan Jay Beatty pictured arriving. Presseye / Andrew Paton/INPHO Presseye / Andrew Paton/INPHO / Andrew Paton/INPHO

Boxer Carl Frampton with his wife Christine Frampton pictured arriving. Presseye / Andrew Paton/INPHO Presseye / Andrew Paton/INPHO / Andrew Paton/INPHO

AP McCoy with his wife Chanelle pictured arriving. Presseye / Andrew Paton/INPHO Presseye / Andrew Paton/INPHO / Andrew Paton/INPHO

Boxers Michael Conlan and Paddy Barnes pictured arriving. Presseye / Andrew Paton/INPHO Presseye / Andrew Paton/INPHO / Andrew Paton/INPHO

Dan Carter with his wife Honor Carter pictured arriving. Presseye / Andrew Paton/INPHO Presseye / Andrew Paton/INPHO / Andrew Paton/INPHO

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill pictured arriving. Presseye / Andrew Paton/INPHO Presseye / Andrew Paton/INPHO / Andrew Paton/INPHO

The England women's football team pictured arriving. Presseye / Andrew Paton/INPHO Presseye / Andrew Paton/INPHO / Andrew Paton/INPHO

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